Friday, February 15, 2008

Fight The Frump: Beauty in Aisle Ten

It doesn't take a lot to avoid looking frumpy. Truly. I was at my grocery store and I found three items that would make you look downright adorable. And yes, I did say at my grocery store. Meijer Thrifty Acres. It's as big as a small village and a necessary evil in my life. My husband usually gets our groceries because walking around that monstrosity with the really bright lights tends to make me really crabby. He tries to avoid that at all costs. God bless him.

Anyway. Look! Just look at what I found between the linens and produce sections:

Rain boots! How-freakin'-cute are these? While you're running errands this spring, throw these bad boys on. You'll feel all sassy and fun.

Then, I saw these. They are so sweet! Why would you ever in a million years wear a pair tennis shoes when you could slip your feet into these adorable things? (Unless you are going to be playing tennis, of course.)



On my way to the check out lane, I passed the jewelry section. A great big neon orange sign proclaiming 75% OFF caught my eye. I had to see for myself just what kind of jewelry can be bought at a grocery store and how much it would cost at 75% off. Well, lookie here. This kind of jewelry can be bought for a mere $1.99 plus tax. Since I tend to wear the same diamond studs and was planning to do some earring shopping anyway, I bought them and wore them to my kid's valentine party at school.


When I got to the school, I saw Mrs. M. Isn't she pretty? I made her stand and pose for me while 15 five year-old students got all jacked up on their valentine treats because I am in love with her blouse. This picture doesn't do it justice (because my camera sucks, frankly) but it is soft and billowy and has so much detail to the pleats at the bottom. I heart it. And I heart Mrs. M.

I was chatting with Sister Big about the "Frump Factor" and she clued me in on the beauty that is the trouser jean. Now, just hearing those words brought back terrible memories of the Mom Jeans. You know what I'm talking about, don't you? Those high-waisted jeans that show off any and every flaw your body could possibly have.

It's sad, but there are moms out there younger than me wearing these hideous things.

If you are friends with one of them, sneak into her closet and take them out and burn them. She'll thank you one day.
Sister Big was actually referring to the trouser jeans she purchased from Ann Taylor Loft. She swears they are comfortable and very flattering and extremely stylish.

I am in love with them. In fact, I would go steady with the whole outfit.

Another way to avoid the frump is to take good care of your skin. When your face is soft and clear and glowing, you just feel better about yourself. And if you feel better about yourself, you are less likely to get up in the morning, put your hair in a ponytail and grab the same yoga pants and stained tee you wore yesterday. Instead, you'll wear this cute ensemble to the left. Let's just look at it a minute longer, shall we?

Facial Products are my own special kind of crack. I am an addict. I love the pretty bottles and the smells and the way they make my skin feel. If I go too long without trying something new I start jonesin' for a fix. Fortunately, I have a friend who can hook me up any time of the day or night. Laurene sells Mary Kay. That comes in real handy for a girl with habits like mine.

Some of my favorite skin care products are inside my cute little bag. Want to take a peek?
Sassy likes the MK Microderm. It makes her skin look soft and dewy fresh (not unlike a baby's bottom) and she doesn't have to drop a hundred bucks every couple months to have it done professionally.

One thing I can't live without is my Eurcerin Q 10 Anti Wrinkle Cream (shhhhh. Don't tell Laurene). My friend Kelly told me about this miracle-in-a-bottle a couple years ago, and it has been my constant companion ever since. (I am not sure why I haven't been using it on that nasty line between my brows though.) (I'll be starting that treatment tonight.)

Another product Kelly introduced me to is Jergens Daily Glow. You apply the moisturizer to your skin and it starts to give you a sun-kissed glow. It really works. I buy the cheaper store-brand version though. Because that's how I roll.
I keep these products in Logan's bathroom so I can do my beauty regimen while my baby boy takes his bath.

See, it really is easy to avoid being a frump. These little tips won't turn you into a MILF, but they will surely make you feel better about yourself, and really, that's all that matters. Am I right? For more Frump Fighting Tips, go see Fussy and her friends. And send your "mom pants" wearing friends over there too.


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34 comments:

Amy said...

I'm gettin me some trouser jeans! Gap (Gap, btw, has implemented a whole new merchandising plan that is prety great) has some too that look fantastic.

Anonymous said...

I have read about the trouser jeans on BigMama's blog. I tried some at Old Navy. Not a good look when you're a size 16. Maybe I need to look at a different store. The Eucerin cream looks interesting. Will have to try it. I also love the "glow" lotions! They do work!

Anonymous said...

Wow, you have a lot of tips! Good stuff!

Ashlee said...

Love the tips! Thanks for the share!
I love your earrings. I love to get all prettied up, but being the SAHM that I am, I don't do it very often. If I'm not going anywhere what's the point? So, I usually end up looking frumpy EVERY day. Not very good. Though it did make me feel warm and fuzzy when I went to my son's V-day party at school wearing my usual jeans and a tshirt {but I did my makeup and hair} and one of the kids said "She's so pretty!" I love that girl. Landon needs to marry her.

Anonymous said...

But, but, I love my mom jeans. Ok, I guess I will study up on this anti-frump movement.

Jill said...

anonymous may want to try boot cut instead of trouser..

i've suggested trouser cut on my blog before, so i suggested boot cut this time. i like your tips, they parallel with mine, which is really helpful, repetition teaches people right!

Beth said...

You're awesome! I LOVE the trouser jeans. As a matter a fact I HEART them. I also heart the rain boots! And I actually think that following your advice will, in fact, turn you into a MILF, as it is all about confidence! Thanks for the tips!

Amy said...

I Love, love, LOVE Ann Taylor Loft. Those Jeans are fabulous. I am SO getting a pair!

Anonymous said...

I'll have to head to ATL to see these jeans for myself. I have been having a really tough time finding jeans short enough for me, but that fit the way they should fit a normal woman with curves. I can't do the super low rise, and I need a waist (not high) cut in, or else I have the huge gap at my rear end, and I don't need people seeing my granny panties. I do okay right now with New York and company petites, but I'll have to check these out and see if they are good for short people. I must have really short legs. Even some of my petites are too long. Great tips!!

-Leah

Valarie Lea said...

I love those jeans, I have a similar pair, that I got on sale for like $13.00, yes $13.00. They are my favorite.

Karla Porter Archer said...

I love trouser jeans. I had some about 8 years ago and wore the heck out of them. Then couldn't find anymore to replace them. Of course, now they are everywhere, so I've had no problems finding a replacement.

Blessings,
Karla

Lizz @ Yes, and So is My Heart said...

Great tips! Thanks!

Sister Sassy said...

I think someone told me to get trouser jeans when you bitch slapped in my fashion week post. Maybe I'll check into them.

Skin, i do feel better and look better when I use the Mary Kay stuff from Tired Mom. Got to get back on that horse

Jenn said...

Love the boots. And the shoes. And the jeans. Not the mom jeans, the other ones. :)
Really, I'm going to have to find me some cute little shoes like those for spring!

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I really need to make more of an effort with the clothes. I wear terrible baggy pajamas at home and we've only been married for two months! My poor hubby...

Anonymous said...

I want those boots!! and those shoes!

I heart your blog!

Lisa xo

Anonymous said...

What about us guys? What are we chopped liver? You and your sexist blog, always talking about women ;) JK!

Good tips (if I didn't have a penis) and YES, my lovely, beatiful, cute Sassy does look even better when she uses her soaps and lotions regularly. Thanks for the reminder!

Anonymous said...

To give credit where credit is due, I think it was RachieRoo who first suggested the trouser jeans. They are so flattering and nobody knows what's really underneath.
A word of warning to all those reading HB's blog; if her son sees you wearing anything that HB has been wanting, he might try to talk you into giving them to her. I kid you not. He is always looking out for his momma. He's tried it on me, unsuccessfully I might add. But I'm afraid he'll only get craftier as he gets older and I'll eventually end up giving everything to HB.

Sister Honey Bunch/Judi maloney said...

Ha! That's true Big. I always forget how he tried to get you to give me a paif of your Sketchers. He's a good boy.

SimplyAmusingDesigns.com said...

Well, my husband calls me a MILF. lol But I love your ideas...cute blog!

Mackenzies Momma said...

I love those boots I could use a pair of them around here! We only have the 'dork' boots where I buy mine. I just started using the 'jergen's daily glow' this week and am already seeing a difference though maybe thats just because I live in the northwest...

Texasholly said...

I am wearing the trouser jeans right now and they are much more flattering then normal pants because the whole hip area is camouflauged by some freak of jean nature...fabulous!

Sarabeth said...

Well, that was nice to read.

Blog Hopping-HP

painted maypole said...

these are great! I've been working on updating my jeans recently, myself, as I've been wearing the same cut of gap jeans for the past 12 years now. And i just bought me 2 new pairs from Ann Taylor! Woo-hoo!

Thanks for coming by my blog!

Mrs. Fussy Fussypants said...

Trouser jeans. As soon as I have this baby -I am so there!

Oh the rain boots...~swoons~

Can I just tell you how wonderful you are? Thank you so much for being you and being such an outstanding & important part of the league!

Love, Fussy

Martha said...

Good tips, ladies, good tips.

xoxox,
martha

Peggie said...

I love your blog! I just found it but I am on a borrowed computer. I hope I can find it again when I get my computer next week!

Great recommendations! Thanks

mom of 2 said...

That mom jeans commercial from SNL is a total classic! I snort with laughter every time I watch it!

Lori's Light Extemporanea said...

Absolutely precious! I love it!

I had the same reaction to Meijer when it finally opened down here. I walked in the side with the produce, with my 3 little girls in tow and stood there for a minute, hyperventilating. I turned around and walked right back out. I can hack it now but I had to build up to it.

Fun Fighting Frump post!

Anonymous said...

I have a pair of trouser jeans from Coldwater Creek and they are the most comfortable, most flattering pants I have ever worn (it helps that they're black)

Sister Honey Bunch/Judi maloney said...

I just stopped a lady today with cute trouser jeans. She got them from Chico's and they were adorable.

Jen said...

Glad I have some non-frump lessons...I have trouble in this area. ;-P

Anonymous said...

Is that Estee Lauder Eye make-up remover I see in the blue bottle? I love that stuff. Also, cute rainboots are a must. I have a a blank pair with hot pink polka dots! :)

Sister Honey Bunch/Judi maloney said...

That is Estee Lauder Eye Make Up remover. I love it too!